Colds and Flu: What's True?

It seems like everyone and their mother (including yours) has an opinion when it comes to treating cold or flu symptoms. After all, they're among the most common health issues we face every year. But all of that input leads to a lot of circulating misinformation. Many people have their own theories or home remedies to prevent and treat colds and flu. But how do the most popular old wives' tales stack up to science? Here you can find the facts about cold and flu symptoms and how to treat them.

Can You Catch a Cold From the Cold?

Cold and flu season starts in the fall and lasts through winter, so it makes sense that colder weather gets blamed, although holiday-season togetherness also plays a role. One cold-weather factor that contributes to higher incidence of colds and flu is lower humidity, which dries out mucous membranes in the nose. Simply feeling cold, however, does not increase your risk of catching one.

Can You Prevent a Cold With Vitamin C?

While some studies have shown that vitamin C may shorten the length of a cold by about one day, a 2007 review of 29 studies on the effects of vitamin C on cold and flu concluded there was no evidence that vitamin C prevented the common cold, and found only slight evidence that it reduced the duration and severity of colds. However, in five studies of people under extreme physical stress, like marathon runners and skiers, taking vitamin C appeared to reduce the occurrence of the common cold. "Some people swear by it, and as long as the daily dose does not exceed 2,000 milligrams, there is no reason not to take it," says Dr. Napolitana. Taking larger doses of vitamin C as a cold treatment (or for any reason) can cause severe diarrhea, which may be dangerous for children and the elderly.

Can You Get Flu Symptoms From a Flu Shot?

Flu shots contain inactive or dead influenza viruses. "You can't get the flu from a flu shot," explains Napolitana. "In rare cases, you may have a reaction to the flu shot and get some swelling at the site of injection or a low-grade fever." So don't shy away from a flu shot out of fear. Get your flu shot every year to protect yourself and others. They are safe for pregnant women and are especially important for the elderly and for people with chronic health problems. Nasal spray vaccines, on the other hand, do contain weakened viruses and may cause mild flu symptoms.

Is Vomiting a Common Flu Symptom?

Many people associate vomiting with the flu, and otherwise assume they are home sick with a cold. But that’s not true. "Both colds and flu affect the upper respiratory system,” says Napolitana. “You may have vomiting with the flu, but vomiting and diarrhea are more commonly caused by a different virus that affects the gastrointestinal system." Common cold and flu symptoms include sore throat, congestion, cough, and headache. Fever and chills in adults are more likely to be flu symptoms. Flu symptoms also hit you harder and cause more fatigue than cold symptoms.

Can You Be Cured With Cold or Flu Treatments?

There is no cure for colds and flu. Once these viruses are in your system, they just have to run their course. Over-the-counter cold treatments can ease your symptoms and make you feel a little more comfortable, but they will not shorten the length of your cold. If you think you have the flu, see your doctor immediately. There are several antiviral treatments (see a list here) that could shorten the duration of your illness, but they need to be started within 48 hours of developing symptoms. "Antibiotics do not work on viruses and should not be used to prevent a cold or flu from turning into a bacterial infection,” says Napolitana. “Using antibiotics to prevent colds and flu from getting worse increases antibiotic resistance."

Should You Starve a Fever and Feed a Cold? Or Is It the Other Way Around?

While no one knows the exact origin of this saying, it’s been passed down for centuries — and can often get twisted. The good news is you can forget it all together. "That is an old wives' tale that has no basis in fact as far as I know," says Napolitana. "It's important to eat for nourishment and drink plenty of fluids — whether you have a fever or not — when you are fighting cold symptoms or flu symptoms.”

Are Chicken Soup and Other Home Remedies Helpful Cold Treatments?

The best home remedies for colds and flu are plenty of fluids and plenty of rest. But some other tricks may help ease your symptoms. A hot shower can help loosen up nasal and chest secretions. Hot tea with honey may sooth nasal passages (the hot liquid offers comfort and one study showed honey is effective for calming a cough). Research has also shown that chicken soup might help reduce cold symptoms. "Chicken soup replaces lost fluids and salt," adds Napolitana. "The warmth of a hot cup of soup is also soothing to the throat."

Should You Sweat Out a Fever?

A fever is your body’s way of fighting the viruses in your system. "There is no value in being sweaty and overheated when you have a fever," says Napolitana. “Your fever is going to run its course, and you should use an over-the-counter medication to bring the fever down and make yourself more comfortable.” This will also help relieve muscle aches, a common flu symptom. Placing a cool wet towel on your forehead or the back of your neck can also help make you more comfortable, as long as it doesn’t cause the chills. Although fever is not a common cold symptom in adults, it is common in children and may accompany the flu in adults.

Is Mucus Color and Consistency Important?

Both cold and flu symptoms cause increased production of mucus. It has been said that clear mucus that turns thick is a sign of a cold or flu turning into a bacterial infection, but that’s not true. Thick, discolored mucus is a common cold and flu symptom. But if this type of mucus continues well beyond other cold or flu symptoms, especially if it is accompanied by fever, headache, cough, or ear pain, call your doctor.

When Are Cold and Flu Symptoms Contagious?

Cold and flu germs spread easily from person to person through the air — think a cough or sneeze — or from physical contact. "You may be spreading colds and flu viruses for one or two days before you have obvious cold or flu symptoms," says Napolitana. The best way to prevent spreading flu or cold viruses is to wash your hands frequently and stay home when you are sick. “You should consider yourself contagious until you have been free of symptoms for one or two days,” adds Napolitana.

Is Sleep Really the Best Medicine?

When you are infected with a cold or flu virus, you feel tired because your immune system is using up a lot of energy to fight your cold symptoms or flu symptoms. The best place to be when recovering is in bed. "Sleep has a great restorative effect on the body. Hormones released during sleep help you battle your way out of cold and flu symptoms," says Napolitana. If you allow yourself rest when you're sick, you’ll likely feel better faster. While sleep can't cure your cold or flu, it might help prevent it. A 2009 study found that sleep-deprived people (those who slept less than seven hours a night, according to the research) were about three times more likely to develop cold symptoms those who slept a solid eight hours or more.

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